His Spoilt Lady Read Online Free Page B

about him and asks me what I think of him. I
feel sure he is planning something. Oh, I do wish Charles would
propose to me! It would take care of this John Foster problem.”
    Linnett sighed
heavily, but then twirled delightedly about the room. “Do you know,
Lottie, you are quite right about this dress...I think it does make
my eyes more noticeable, even though I say so myself...I look quite
stunning! Lord Charles won’t be able to resist me tonight!”
     
     

Chapter 4
    It was half an hour later when Linnett descended the
wide staircase. Her hair was piled high on her head in an artful
array of loose curls and her long neck adorned with the emerald and
pearl choker. Her green dress swirled and shimmered around her
shapely form. John could see Linnett’s green cat-eyes glinting from
where he stood in the hall, waiting for her to descend. When
Linnett had reached the bottom stair, John stepped forward and
offered her his arm, saying gallantly, “You look absolutely
beautiful, my dear, and your dress is utter perfection.”
    Linnett took
his arm and glanced up at him coyly through her lashes. “Why, Mr.
Foster, you do surprise me. Such pretty words! La, who would have
thought you capable of flirting? Certainly not I. Are we ready to
depart? My wrap thank you, Lottie. Do not wait up for me, I shall
manage on my own tonight.”
    Lottie slipped
a long fur cape around her mistress and curtsied to the group
before turning back up the curved staircase. The merry little
entourage consisting of Linnett, John Foster and Sir Thomas made
their way out to the waiting carriage. On the short journey, the
two men tried to make conversation that included Linnett. However,
she wished to be left alone with her thoughts of the night to come
and gazed out of the window. John and Sir Thomas eventually
reverted to discussing business, talking until the coach swept up
to the entrance of Sir Henry James and Lady Margaret Peabody’s
imposing residence.
    Linnett gazed
in amazement as she entered the ballroom. The magnificent
chandeliers twinkled and sparkled in the light of a hundred
candles. The large ornate mirrors that hung on all four walls
reflected the soft flickering light and the colourful twirling
couples as they danced to the violins and harpsichord. The music
was provided by a group of local ladies who had volunteered to play
for the dance that evening. The wooded floor had been highly
polished and gleamed with a rich mellow glow. The silks and satins
of the guests’ clothes shimmered, their jewels sparkling,
reflecting the light caught from the glowing candles and lamps that
lined the walls. Linnett gazed around her with delight, one foot
tapping in tune with the music. “There you are, puss! My dear, may
I present you to Colonel and Lady Stanhope.” Sir Thomas beamed at
Linnett and she dutifully smiled and curtsied. “Colonel, Madam,”
she murmured politely.
    “The Colonel
will shortly be leaving for the Colonies, Linnett,” her father
began, but a cough from just behind her startled Linnett so much
that she spun around rather too quickly and collided with John
Foster. She unbalanced and tripped sideways over his feet. Linnett
started to stumble, but before she could fall farther, she found
herself caught up in a pair of strong arms and pressed firmly
against a broad chest, a pair of amused grey eyes gazing down into
her own.
    Linnett felt
the vibrations rumble deep in his chest as he apologised, “My fault
entirely, I startled you. Please forgive me. Are you quite
recovered, Miss Wainwright?”
    Linnett glared
up at John and took a step back away from him. “You simpleton!”
Linnett hissed. “What do you think you are doing creeping up behind
me like that? Now everybody is looking at us. Leave me at once! Oh,
and Mr. Foster, do try to remember it is Lady, not
Miss!”
    John held on
fast to the delectable little spitfire and shook her slightly,
saying, “This is quite unnecessary behaviour, Linnett. I simply
wished to